Fred Astaire Dance Studios - Charlottesville

In group lessons, weekly practice parties, regional and national competitions and studio events and outings, you’ll meet a melting pot of people of all ages, with varied cultural and occupational backgrounds.

Group activities such as ballroom dance lessons can expand your sense of social “connectedness”, which is beneficial to lowering stress and depression levels. Ballroom dance is similar to the practice of mindful meditation. The physical act of dancing releases endorphins, and lowers the levels of stress hormones in our bodies.

Partner dancing can also decrease loneliness among all age groups, because it’s a goal-oriented social activity that brings like-minded people together. Swedish researchers studying teenaged girls with stress, anxiety and depression saw a decrease in anxiety and stress levels among those who took up partner dancing.

Beginner dancers especially will notice that the more you dance, the more flexibility and range of motion your body develops. Increased flexibility will help your dance abilities, decrease joint pain and muscle soreness after exercise, and improve core strength and balance. Yoga and ballet stretches can be extremely beneficial as pre-ballroom dance warm-ups.

Ballroom dancing is a low-impact aerobic activity that burns fat and can boost your metabolism. In just thirty minutes of dance, you can burn between 200-400 calories – that’s roughly the same amount as running or cycling! Burning an extra 300 calories a day can help you lose between ½-1 pound a week. Ballroom dance training is also an excellent form of maintenance exercise, to stay healthy and toned once you’ve reached your goal weight.

West Coast Swing (or Western Swing) quickly gained popularity across the U.S. because of its sophisticated style and easy adaptation to contemporary rock music. A regional style popular on the West Coast of the U.S., the dance made a bid for national recognition in the late 50s and continues to grow in popularity in the 21st century. West Coast Swing incorporates many forms of swing including the Lindy, Shag, Whip and Push. Versatile dancers, eager to display their talent, are continually innovating new and interesting movement in swing. After nearly five decades, Western Swing has endured the test of time, and as with the Eastern Swing, it is possible to dance in a relatively small area. The West Coast Swing is danced in place in a slot. Its slower tempo allows for freer rhythmic interpretations using single, double, triple and various other syncopated rhythms. A relaxed, sometimes shuffling movement and upright position are characteristic. Occasional use of hip movements and or push style is also used to enhance the style of the dance.

The Waltz has its roots in the lively folk dances of Bavaria, dating back over 400 years. Originally performed as a round dance called the Volte in the 16th century, it wasn’t until 1812 that this graceful dance made its way into English ballrooms and the realm of high society. Historical accounts often credit its early appearances outside Bavaria to Italy, before spreading to France and Germany. Despite its elegance, the Waltz faced stiff resistance when it first graced the formal dance floors. The sight of a gentleman holding a lady’s waist was considered scandalous at the time, and the dance was branded as improper. However, its charm eventually won over audiences, and by the early 20th century, it had become a beloved staple among the European middle class and beyond. In the United States, where the rigid class systems of Europe didn’t exist, the Waltz found its way into the hearts of the general population as early as the 1840s. It quickly gained popularity, holding its ground even through the changing tides of music and dance trends. The arrival of ragtime in the 1910s introduced a wave of walking and strutting dances, overshadowing the Waltz for a time. Yet, the Waltz endured, adapting to new tempos and styles. By the late 19th century, American composers began crafting slower versions of the Waltz, giving rise to distinct variations like the Viennese Waltz (fast), medium-tempo Waltz, and slow Waltz, each with its unique character and charm. The Waltz is a dance of elegance and flow, characterized by smooth, turning movements and the signature rise and fall that give it a floating, almost magical quality. Whether danced in grand ballrooms or on smaller dance floors, its versatility shines. The American-style Waltz introduced the box step in the 1880s, paving the way for even slower and more romantic styles in the 1920s. Dancing the Waltz evokes a sense of timeless romance and grandeur, making anyone feel like royalty at the ball. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to transport dancers to an era of grace and sophistication.

The Viennese Waltz, as its known today, was first danced by European royalty during the era of the Austrian composers, Johann Strauss I and Johann Strauss II (1800s). Its hallmark charisma and social grace is typical of that period of history. The Viennese Waltz became the only dance of that era which is still performed by the American public. Waltz music expresses eloquently, the carefree gaiety of those bygone days that are so closely linked to Vienna, The Blue Danube and Strauss. The most startling innovation of the dance was the close proximity of the partners; so daring, it only became socially acceptable in Great Britain after it was danced publicly by Queen Victoria. It is a dance that requires a great deal of control and stamina, due mainly to the tempo of the music. The Viennese Waltz is a progressive and turning dance and features some figures that are danced in place. Rise and fall is used in the dance but differently than in other smooth dances. In Waltz and Foxtrot, a dancer will often rise above their normal standing height but in the Viennese Waltz that’s not done. Rise is created through the knees and body. From wedding dance instruction, to a new hobby or a way to connect with your partner, you’ll learn more, faster and with more FUN, at Fred Astaire Dance Studios! Contact us today, and be sure to ask about our special introductory offer for new students.

During the greatest period of the dance evolution in American history (1910-1914), the Tango made its first appearance. It was instantly a hit with the dance-conscious public for its intriguing, asymmetrical, and sophisticated patterns which added a touch of romance to the country’s dance consciousness. The Tango has no clearly defined origin: it may have originated in Argentina, Brazil, Spain, or Mexico, but it clearly descended from an early Spanish folk dance, the Milonga, and bears traces of Moorish and Arabic ancestry. The Tango first came to be known as such, early in the 20th century in Argentina. It was danced, however, under various names throughout all of Latin America. Years later, Argentine plainsmen or “gauchos,” danced a modified version of the Milonga in the bawdy cafes of Buenos Aires. Argentine and Cuban youth later changed the name (and style) to Tango which was more acceptable to society. The Cubans danced it to habanera rhythms which were syncopated and obscured the basic Milonga rhythm. It was not until after it caught on in Paris and was re-introduced to Argentina, that the music was restored to its native style. For over 60 years, the four beat Tango rhythm has endured and continued to enjoy popularity everywhere as the music is universal with many types of sub-styles. Of all the dances which came into being in the early 20th century, only the Tango has continued to enjoy this much popularity. The Tango is a progressive dance where the staccato movement of the feet and flexed knees highlight the dramatic style of the dance. The Tango is one of the most highly stylized ballroom dances. It is dramatic with measured crossing and flexing steps and poised pauses. Perhaps the main reason for its widespread popularity is that it is danced close to the partner. Take advantage of our special introductory offer for new students, and contact Fred Astaire Dance Studios today. We’ll help you take the first step towards a new and exciting lifestyle.

When the Brazilian Samba made its debut with U.S. Dance Masters in 1929, it quickly captured hearts and became a nationwide sensation. Like many Brazilian dances, Samba draws its vibrant energy from a fusion of African and Latin American rhythms, creating a sound that is both dynamic and melodic. Its structure resembles a serenade, with the repeating melody often punctuated by the rhythmic strumming of guitars or other stringed instruments.

Oozing with a sensuous style, Salsa has it all – passion, energy, and joy. As a dance form, Salsa has its origins in the Cuban Son and the Afro-Cuban dance, Rumba. As it relates to the popular music style, Salsa is continuously evolving, and new modern dance styles are associated and named according to the geographical areas that they are developed in. Some of the popular Salsa styles are Cuban, Columbian, Los Angeles, New York (or Eddie Torres Style), Palladium, Puerto Rican, Rueda, and On Clave.

Rumba (or “ballroom-rumba”), is one of the ballroom dances which occurs in social dance and in international competitions. It is the slowest of the five competitive International Latin dances: the Paso Doble, the Samba, the Cha Cha, and the Jive being the others.

The Quickstep, with its roots in Ragtime, was developed in the 1920’s in New York from a combination of Foxtrot, Charleston, Peabody and the One-Step. Originally it was danced solo – away from the partner, but later became a partner dance.

The Paso Doble (or pasodoble), in its classical form dates back many centuries and was originally intended for use at bullfights when the matador was victorious in the arena. The music adapted itself so beautifully to the dance that the villagers danced to the exciting, lively music for hours on end. Americans first viewed the Paso Doble when flamenco dancers used this music to dance the role of a bullfighter. It has been a favorite (in its ballroom version) since the 1930s. In the ballroom version of the Paso Doble, the gentleman usually portrays the bullfighter and the lady is his cape, although there are times when a very strong aggressive action in certain movements seems to suggest the actions of the bull. The Paso Doble moves around the floor and is characterized by sharp movements. A most helpful aid in acquiring the proper feeling is to visualize the pageantry of the matadors, as they make their grand entry into the bull ring and feel the attitude that is displayed during the fight.

Both Haiti and the Dominican Republic claim Merengue as their own. According to Haitian lore, an earlier ruler of their country had a lame son who liked to dance. In order that this beloved prince would not feel self-conscious about his affliction, the entire populace took to dancing as though they all were lame. The Dominican’s version is that the dance originated at a fiesta that was given to honor a returning war hero. When the brave warrior rose to dance, he limped on his wounded left leg. Rather than make him feel self-conscious, all the men present favored their left legs as they danced. In both countries for many generations, the Merengue was taught and danced with these back stories in mind. When couples got up to dance the Merengue, the man favored his left leg and the lady favored her right leg; while flexing their knees a bit more than usual and at the same time leaning the body slightly to the same side. Haitians and Dominicans alike refer to the Merengue as their “singing dance;” this is understandable when you consider the exhilarating brightness of the staccato rhythm. The Merengue is danced in place to Latin music.

No other dance from south of the (U.S.) border has ever attained the instantaneous popularity than the zestful Mambo did when it was first introduced from Latin America. The extent of the Mambo’s reach can be observed by the widespread use of its rhythm by Tin Pan Alley.

Jive evolved from the popular American dances of the 1930’s such as Jitterbug, Boogie-Woogie, Lindy Hop, East Coast Swing, Shag, Rock “n” Roll etc. Eventually all of these styles of dance would be coupled under the Hat of “Jive”, but in the 1940’s a combination of these styles was given the name “Jive” and the dance was born. During World War II American G.I’s took the dance to Europe where it soon became very popular, especially among the young. It was new, fresh, and exciting. It was adapted by the French and became very popular in Britain and eventually in 1968 it was adopted as the fifth Latin dance in International competitions. The modern form of ballroom jive is a very happy and boppy dance, with many flicks & kicks. The Jive music is written in 4/4 time and should be played at a tempo of about 38 – 44 bars per minute. A spot dance not moving along the Line of Dance. Relaxed, springy action is the basic characteristic of the International Style Jive with lots of flicks and kicks in the advanced style.

In the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s, discotheques (or discos), with high quality sound systems and flashing lights became a popular form of entertainment in Europe and the U.S. Early ‘70s dancing in discos was mostly freestyle dancing (similar to the “rock” style exhibited by pop stars of the day like The Jackson 5) along with the prerequisite dress code of bellbottom pants and elevator shoes.

The Foxtrot dance step was named after Harry Fox, a vaudeville dancer and comedian. This dance emerged around 1912, during the ragtime music era, and introduced a new phase of ballroom dancing where partners danced closer together and ad-libbed to the music. By 1915, with the advent of smoother, more rhythmic music, the Foxtrot evolved. From 1917 onwards, the focus shifted to smoother dancing and individualized expression. By 1960, elements of the International style were incorporated into the American style Foxtrot. The International style is danced entirely in contact, maintaining the normal dance hold, while the American style allows for complete freedom of expression using various dance holds and positions. Most figures are designed for larger ballroom floors but can be adapted for average dance floors.

Eastern Swing, often called East Coast Swing or simply Swing, has roots in the iconic Lindy Hop and stands as one of the most recognizable American folk dances. Its evolution began with early 20th-century dances like the Charleston, Black Bottom, and Shag, which gradually merged in the 1940s to form the Lindy. Originally performed as a modified box step with a gentle shuffle, this style developed into the single, double, and triple rhythms we associate with Swing today. These rhythmic variations form the foundation of modern Swing dancing, making it as versatile as it is timeless. Swing gained significant popularity in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City during the height of big band music. With legends like Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, and Chic Webb providing the soundtrack, the dance embraced a variety of exciting steps and stylistic elements. While the acrobatic moves of Swing drew attention, they were sometimes discouraged in upscale venues due to space limitations. Despite this, Swing remained adaptable, allowing dancers to perform beautifully within smaller areas. Its enduring charm lies in its ability to evolve, as dancers nationwide continue to add their unique flair, ensuring that Swing remains fresh and relevant. By the late 1990s and early 2000s, Swing experienced a lively revival, fueled by bands like the Brian Setzer Orchestra and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. This resurgence brought a new generation to the dance floor, embracing the joy and freedom that Swing offers. Known as a “spot dance,” Swing doesn’t follow a set path along the dance floor, giving dancers room to improvise and express themselves. Its signature shuffle, combined with upper body sway, creates a relaxed yet energetic vibe that’s as much fun to watch as it is to dance. Here at Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Charlottesville, we’re all about making Swing accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Whether you’re curious about its rich history or ready to shuffle your way into something new, we’re here to help you master the moves and feel the rhythm. With just one lesson, you’ll be building confidence and having a blast. Don’t miss our special Introductory Offer for new students! Call us today and let’s start your Swing dance journey—you’ll be moving and grooving in no time!

Cha Cha is a dance of Cuban origin, and derives its name from the rhythm developed by a syncopation of the fourth beat. Cha Cha gathers its flavor, rhythm and charm from a derivation of three primary sources: the Mambo, Rumba, and indirectly, the Lindy (with each being danced to the same one-two-three triple step). The Cha Cha, while sprung up from Latin American roots in Cuba, really flowered under North American influence. While closely identified with the aforementioned Mambo, Cha Cha has enough intrinsic individuality to be classified as a distinct dance. Much has been written about the history of the Rumba and the Mambo, while little has been explored about the origins of Cha Cha, despite it being a dance to be reckoned with.

The Bolero was introduced to a U.S. audience in the mid-1930s; and at that time, it was danced in its classical form, which was performed to a constant beat of drums. It emerged from this classical form to what was called Son, with a faster and livelier tempo (later renamed as the Rumba). Spanish dancer Sebastian Cereza is credited with creating the dance in the year 1780; since then, the Bolero has remained a true source of expressing sensuous feelings.

Argentine Tango is a dance and music that originated in Buenos Aires at the turn of the century, developed in the melting pot of cultures that was Buenos Aires. The word Tango was used at the time to describe various music and dance.

Classes for your wedding dances that will make you look awesome and help you create a lasting memory for your special day.

Two private dance lessons, each 30 minutes long, including a comprehensive dance consultation and a studio tour, offering a significant saving.

One 30-minute wedding dance lesson and consultation to create a lasting memory and make your wedding dance look awesome, tailored to your specific needs.

Two private 30-minute dance lessons, including a dance consultation and studio tour, designed for new students to start dancing and discover the fun of ballroom dancing.

We are experts at all styles of ballroom dance – and can incorporate any one (or more!) of them into your Wedding Dance choreography. From a classic Waltz or Foxtrot or sultry Tango, to a fun & lively Country Western Two-Step and more, our certified Dance Instructors can help!

Our Wedding Dance programs are tailored to you – your style & personality, and your priorities for the music and choice of dance. Our friendly, certified Dance Instructors can teach everything from a few simple dance steps to a fully-choreographed routine for your entire wedding party – it’s up to you!

Wedding dance lessons are a great way to have fun and relax before the Big Day. With all the decisions, schedules and deadlines involved in wedding planning, enjoying this time together that’s just for you can help you both de-stress and re-energize – and we promise you’ll have lots of fun doing it!

This introductory offer is perfect for new students with no prior experience, providing a chance to learn basic steps and receive guidance for your wedding dance.

Looking for something really memorable? We can choreograph a “YouTube-worthy” wedding dance for the whole wedding party, that’s set to your favorite music! Extend those special wedding day moments with an awesome routine you’ll want to re-live, again and again.

A memorable Father/Daughter and Mother/Son dance is a wonderful complement to your First Dance. Including your parents (or the special friends or family members who will be standing in that traditional role) in your wedding dance is a wonderful way to show your love and appreciation.

Your First Dance is an everlasting expression of your love and commitment – for you and your new spouse, as well as for the special guests celebrating with you. From a few simple steps to get by to a fully choreographed routine, we can help make your first dance as unique as the rest of your wedding day.

Customize our Wedding Dance Instruction Programs just for you, to give you both the confidence and skills to show off your elegance, style – and maybe even a little personality on the dance floor, on your wedding day. We’ll help you create a special “First Dance” that’s totally “YOU” – be that elegant, contemporary or just plain fun.

Fred Astaire offers classes for your wedding dances that will make you look awesome. Talk with us to get started today and we will work with you to create a lasting memory.

2 Private Dance Lessons – 30 min. long, including dance consultation and studio tour! Learn faster, achieve more… have more FUN! Through a variety of different teaching methods, we ensure you learn as much as possible and retain everything.

One 30-Minute Wedding Dance Lesson and Consultation. Create a lasting memory from your wedding with classes that will make you look awesome. Talk with us to get started today.

2 Private 30-Minute Dance Lessons, including a dance consultation and studio tour. Take your dancing to the next level with our instructors who will guide you in the right direction.

Group activities such as ballroom dance lessons can expand your sense of social “connectedness”, which is beneficial to lowering stress and depression levels. Ballroom dance is similar to the practice of mindful meditation (which has been shown to significantly reduce levels of depression and stress) in that it requires you to fully focus your attention, and be present in the moment.

A reputable ballroom dance class will typically begin with a few stretching exercises, to get you prepped to execute dance steps with comfort & ease, and to protect against dance-related injury. Beginner dancers especially will notice that the more you dance, the more flexibility and range of motion your body develops.

Ballroom dancing is that perfect combination of physical activity, social interaction, and mental stimulation, and it can bring so much to your life. It’s a great workout; has documented physical and mental health benefits; can enhance your social life and self-confidence; reduces stress and depression; promotes relaxation; is a wonderful outlet for self-expression and creativity; and it’s FUN!!

From there, students can continue to the Silver Program and then all the way to Gold!

From there, students can continue to the Silver Program and then all the way to Gold!

From there, students can progress to the Bronze Trophy Program (our most popular!), which enables students to dance on any size dance floor, to any music, with any partner, and feel comfortable and confident.

Our Beginner and Social Foundation Programs teach newer students the step patterns and techniques to move comfortably around the dance floor.

Regularly scheduled practice parties complete the information taught in your private lessons and group classes. At Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Charlottesville’s practice parties, we turn down the lights, turn up the music, and enjoy time dancing with different people in a relaxed social setting. Practice parties help you “put it all together”, aid with music identification, and help you learn how not to run into other people on the dance floor. Practice parties are a great (& FUN!) way to apply what you’re learning.

Private lessons, with one or more dance instructors, give you the specialized and personalized attention to look and feel confident on the dance floor, while developing the ability to lead or follow any partner. We move at your pace, perfecting and polishing your dancing all the while.

Group classes complement your private lessons, because this is where patterns, technique, and style are learned. Group classes also enable you to meet other students with similar dancing goals, develop balance, and learn the mechanics of dancing.

At Fred Astaire Dance Studios, our Wedding Dance programs are tailored to you – your style & personality, and your priorities for the music and choice of dance. Our friendly, certified Dance Instructors can teach everything from a few simple dance steps to a fully-choreographed routine for your entire wedding party – it’s up to you! We are experts at all styles of ballroom dance – and can incorporate any one (or more!) of them into your Wedding Dance choreography. From a classic Waltz or Foxtrot or sultry Tango, to a fun & lively Country Western Two-Step and more, our certified Dance Instructors can help!

This special offer is for new students only and no experience is necessary. It's a great opportunity to get a feel for wedding dance lessons and discuss your needs.

Customize our Wedding Dance Instruction Programs just for you, to give you both the confidence and skills to show off your elegance, style – and maybe even a little personality on the dance floor, on your wedding day. We’ll help you create a special “First Dance” that’s totally “YOU” – be that elegant, contemporary or just plain fun.

Looking to create a lasting memory from your wedding? Fred Astaire offers classes for your wedding dances that will make you look awesome. Talk with us to get started today and we will work with you!

2 Private Dance Lessons – 30 min. long, including dance consultation and studio tour! Learn faster, achieve more… have more FUN!

One 30-Minute Wedding Dance Lesson and Consultation for $45. Create a lasting memory from your wedding with our wedding dance classes that will make you look awesome.

2 Private 30-Minute Dance Lessons, including a dance consultation and studio tour. Take your dancing to the next level with our instructors.

1 30-minute evaluation lesson for those who have danced with us before!

1 30-minute private lesson.

1 30-minute private lesson. Includes studio tour and a personalized program presentation! This is an intro wedding lesson and does not include full choreography.

2 30-minute private lessons, singles or couples. Also includes a studio tour and a personalized program presentation!

1 Private Dance Lesson – 30 min. long

Give the gift of dance with a studio credit redeemable for any beginner lesson. Choose an amount between $60 and $150. This is an intro wedding lesson and does not include full choreography.

Give the gift of dance with a studio credit redeemable for any beginner lesson. Choose an amount between $60 and $150.

30-Minute Wedding Dance Lesson This is an intro wedding lesson and does not include full choreography.

2 Private Dance Lessons – 30 min. long (a $250 value!)

2 Private Dance Lessons – 30 min. long (save $150)

Give the gift of dance to someone special this Holiday Season with the magic of Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Charlottesville! Our special offer will get you and one partner started off on the right foot, help you explore the world of dance, and make sure you have a blast!

Our Black Friday special offer will get you and one partner an amazing deal on your next lesson package, buy 10 lessons to get the 11th TOTALLY FREE! Plus, by purchasing a bundle of lessons, you’ll also get a month of FREE ACCESS to all of our upcoming studio parties, So you’ll have plenty of opportunities to dance!

2 Private 30-Minute Lessons, including dance consultation and studio tour, only $60!